REGION: North Patagonia
ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2 (Easy-Medium)
SUMMARY: Hike the Laguna Sargazo area of Alerce Andino National Park, observing and identifying the local flora and fauna, and enjoying the spectacular views that surround us. Stop by Puerto Montt handicraft markets Angelmo if time permits.
DURATION: 7-8 hours** Independent Travelers.
** 5-6 hours. Cruise ship passengers: We return one hour before the last tender. If necessary, we can shorten the excursion.
MIN./MAX. PEOPLE: 4-10 people
SEASON: Year round, weather permitting.
ITINERARY:
We depart early from the pier in Puerto Montt, (or as arranged) driving toward the Laguna Sargazo area of Alerce Andino National Park for an encounter with the ancient Alerce tree. This National Park (39,255 hectares) is part of the Temperate Rain forests of the Austral Andes, and was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2007. This National park is also part of the Route of Parks of Patagonia.
The park in named for the Alerce, an evergreen tree that reaches a height of 45 meters and whose diameter can exceed 4 meters wide. It was declared a Natural Monument in 1976, and cutting down any living Alerce tree in the Chilean Territory is prohibited.
Our excursion takes us through the Pacific Coast Reloncaví Sound by the Southern Road. We pass by quaint fishing villages and then, after an hour, reach the Chaica part of the river in Alerce Andino National Park. The Calbuco Volcano and all the beautiful Andean-Patagonian mountain range are watching over us on this amazing journey!
The beautiful native forest wows us with its intense green, where we can see and identify species of local flora and fauna. After half an hour we arrive at a beautiful waterfall.
As we continue we can see or hear birds, such as the black woodpecker, the Huet-Huet, Kingfisher, the Peuco, Pato Real, the Canquén, the Cachudito and Torcaza.
We reach a 2,000-yr.-old redwood, and then we follow a trail on into the humid rainforest where we rest and take pictures. We now hike for 1 hour to reach our final destination which is the Laguna Sargazo. Time to relax, take more photos and eat a snack to regain our energy!
We began the return trip through sectors of the Austral Highway, with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, salmon and shellfish farms and Puerto Montt.
A brief stop will be made to browse the handicraft markets in Puerto Montt, time permitting, before returning to the pier or hotel!
INCLUDED: Local Professional Hiking Guide (with Wilderness First Responder Guide accreditation, First Aid Kit, Personal Insurance), VHF radio communication/Mobile phone, National Park entrance fee, snack, Certified Transport, 01 additional Guide with more than 12 travelers.
NOT INCLUDED: Personal insurance, personal equipment, tips or anything not listed in the program.
GUEST PROVIDES: Appropriate clothes according to the activity (weather can be hot, cold or windy), trekking boots or tennis shoes, walking sticks (recommended), backpack, camera, water, cap or hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
OPERATED BY: Patagonia SouthernLand Expeditions staff
COST: Request a quote!
COSTO: Contáctenos!